Best Hammer Drill Under £150
Finding a powerful hammer drill that doesn't break the bank is a challenge. We have analysed specs, battery ecosystems, and thousands of owner reviews to find the best hammer drill under £150 that delivers real drilling performance for masonry and concrete.
Quick answer
The Bosch GBH 2-26 F is the best overall hammer drill under £150 for its SDS-Plus system, consistent 800W power, and Vario-Lock chisel function. For a budget cordless option, the Ryobi R18SDS-0 offers impressive freedom and solid impact energy for the price.
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- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
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Research updated June 2026.
Bosch GBH 2-26 F
Best all-round corded hammer drill for masonry work under £150.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GBH 2-26 F | Overall / Masonry | 800W, 2.7 J | 4.7/5 | Check Amazon |
| DeWalt DCH133 | Cordless Power | 18V, 2.1 J | 4.5/5 | Check Amazon |
| Makita HR2470 | Durability | 780W, 2.6 J | 4.6/5 | Check Amazon |
| Ryobi R18SDS-0 | Budget Cordless | 18V, 1.7 J | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon |
| Einhell TC-RH 900 | Value Corded | 900W, 2.4 J | 4.2/5 | Check Amazon |
What Is the Best Hammer Drill Under £150?
The best hammer drill under £150 combines sufficient impact energy for masonry with reliable build quality and a good warranty. Most models in this price range are corded, offering consistent power without battery concerns. The Bosch GBH 2-26 F stands out with its SDS-Plus chuck, Vario-Lock chisel function, and 2.7 J impact energy, making it capable of drilling into concrete and brick without stalling.
What to Check Before Buying
Before choosing a hammer drill under £150, consider the impact energy (measured in Joules) which dictates how effectively it drills into concrete. A rating of 2.0 J or higher is ideal for masonry work. Also check the chuck type: SDS-Plus is standard for heavy-duty drilling, while keyless chucks offer convenience for lighter tasks. Weight matters for overhead work, and corded models typically provide more torque than cordless options at this price point.
Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is buying a cordless hammer drill without factoring in battery costs. Many budget cordless kits under £150 come with small batteries that drain quickly during masonry drilling. Another error is ignoring the vibration control feature; lower-end models can cause fatigue quickly. Always check owner reviews for real-world performance on concrete, not just on wood or metal.
Bosch GBH 2-26 F
Best OverallPros
- Vario-Lock chisel function for light chiselling
- Low vibration handle reduces fatigue
- Consistent 2.7 J impact energy
Cons
- Corded only, limits mobility
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
The Bosch GBH 2-26 F is a workhorse for masonry drilling. Owner reviews consistently praise its ability to drill through brick and concrete without slowing down, thanks to the 800W motor and 2.7 J impact energy. The SDS-Plus chuck makes bit changes quick, and the Vario-Lock function allows you to rotate the chisel to 12 positions for light chiselling tasks.
At 2.8 kg, it is not the lightest, but the vibration control system makes it comfortable for extended use. The build quality is typical Bosch: robust and reliable, with a 2-year warranty that adds peace of mind. For any DIYer needing a dedicated masonry drill under £150, this is the top choice.
DeWalt DCH133
Best CordlessPros
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- Active vibration control
- Compatible with DeWalt 18V XR battery system
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Heavier than corded alternatives
The DeWalt DCH133 is a cordless SDS-Plus hammer drill that delivers 2.1 J of impact energy, enough for most masonry drilling tasks. Its brushless motor improves efficiency and runtime, making it a strong choice for those already invested in the DeWalt 18V ecosystem. Owner reviews highlight its low vibration and comfortable grip, even during prolonged use.
However, buying this drill alone under £150 is possible, but you will need a battery and charger which pushes the total cost higher. It is best suited for users who already own DeWalt batteries. The weight of 3.2 kg with a 5Ah battery is noticeable, but the power-to-weight ratio is excellent for a cordless model.
Makita HR2470
Best DurabilityPros
- Excellent build quality and reliability
- Lightweight at 2.6 kg
- Soft grip handle for comfort
Cons
- No chisel function
- Power slightly lower than Bosch
The Makita HR2470 is a corded SDS-Plus hammer drill known for its durability and light weight. At just 2.6 kg, it is one of the lightest in its class, making it ideal for overhead drilling. The 780W motor delivers 2.6 J of impact energy, which is sufficient for brick and light concrete. Owner reviews frequently mention its reliability over years of use.
It lacks a chisel function, so it is strictly for drilling. The soft grip handle reduces vibration, but it is not as advanced as Bosch's system. For users who prioritise a lightweight, dependable drill for masonry without extra features, the HR2470 is a solid choice under £150.
Ryobi R18SDS-0
Best Budget CordlessPros
- Affordable body-only price
- Part of Ryobi One+ system
- Brushless motor for efficiency
Cons
- Lower impact energy (1.7 J)
- Not ideal for heavy concrete
The Ryobi R18SDS-0 is a cordless SDS-Plus hammer drill that offers great value for DIYers. With 1.7 J impact energy, it handles brick and light masonry well, but struggles with dense concrete. It is brushless, which extends runtime, and it fits into the extensive Ryobi One+ battery system, making it a cost-effective addition for existing users.
Owner reviews note it is comfortable to use and has good vibration control for the price. However, for heavy-duty masonry work, the impact energy is lower than corded options. It is best for occasional drilling tasks where portability is key, and you already own Ryobi batteries.
Einhell TC-RH 900
Best Value CordedPros
- High 900W motor for the price
- Includes chisel function
- Very affordable
Cons
- Higher vibration levels reported
- Build quality not as refined as Bosch/Makita
The Einhell TC-RH 900 is a budget-friendly corded hammer drill that offers impressive power for its price. With a 900W motor and 2.4 J impact energy, it can handle brick and concrete drilling, and includes a chisel function for light demolition. Owner reviews highlight its good performance for the cost, making it a strong contender for DIYers on a tight budget.
However, some users report higher vibration levels compared to premium brands, and the build quality is not as robust. It is heavier at 3.0 kg, which can be tiring during extended use. For occasional masonry drilling where budget is the primary concern, the TC-RH 900 delivers solid value.
FAQs
What is the best hammer drill under £150 for concrete?
The Bosch GBH 2-26 F is the best for concrete, with 2.7 J impact energy and an SDS-Plus chuck for efficient drilling.
Is a cordless hammer drill under £150 any good?
Yes, but only for light to medium masonry. The Ryobi R18SDS-0 offers good portability but lower impact energy than corded models.
What impact energy do I need for brick drilling?
For brick, 2.0 J or higher is recommended. The Makita HR2470 with 2.6 J is ideal for brick and light concrete.
Can I use a hammer drill for chiselling?
Only models with a chisel function, like the Bosch GBH 2-26 F or Einhell TC-RH 900, can be used for light chiselling.
What is the difference between SDS-Plus and keyless chuck?
SDS-Plus provides better bit retention and impact transfer for masonry, while keyless chucks are for standard drilling in wood or metal.
How heavy is too heavy for a hammer drill?
Over 3.5 kg can cause fatigue. The Makita HR2470 at 2.6 kg is lightweight, while the DeWalt DCH133 at 3.2 kg is heavier but still manageable.
Do I need a brushless motor in a hammer drill?
Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer, but not essential under £150. The Ryobi R18SDS-0 has a brushless motor for better runtime.
What warranty do these hammer drills come with?
Most brands offer 1-2 years. Bosch and Makita typically provide 2-year warranties, while Einhell offers up to 3 years with registration.
Can I drill into reinforced concrete with a £150 hammer drill?
No, reinforced concrete requires higher impact energy (over 5 J) and professional-grade tools. Stick to brick and standard concrete.
Is the Einhell TC-RH 900 reliable?
It is reliable for occasional use, but some owners report higher vibration and less durability than premium brands like Bosch or Makita.
Our verdict
The Bosch GBH 2-26 F is the best overall hammer drill under £150, offering the highest impact energy, chisel function, and proven reliability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Einhell TC-RH 900 provides excellent value with its 900W motor and chisel capability. Cordless users should consider the Ryobi R18SDS-0 if they already own Ryobi batteries.